A Simulation Model for Growth of the Submersed Aquatic Macrophyte Hydrilla (Hydrilla Verticillata (L.F.) Royle).
Abstract
A simulation model for the biomass dynamics of the submersed macrophyte Hydrilla verticiltata (dioecious biotype) is presented. The model HYDRIL is based on carbon flow within a l-m2 water column. It includes several aspects that affect biomass dynamics, such as latitude, seasonal changes in climate, pH and oxygen effects on CO2 assimilation rate at light saturation, wintering strategies, grazing (removal of aboveground and tuber biomass), and mechanical control (removal of aboveground biomass). The characteristics of the community and of the site can be easily modified by the user. HYDRIL incorporates insights into the processes affecting the dynamics of a Hydrilla community in relatively shallow, hard water (0.1- to 2.5-m depth; DIC concentration > 0.8 mmol). It has been calibrated on data pertaining to a Hydrilla community in Lake Orange, Florida. At that site, no aboveground wintering biomass is present and growth starts from the tuber bank. Peak biomass is reached late in August and tuber formation takes place in autumn, replenishing the tuber bank. HYDRIL simulates the dynamics of plant biomass and tuber bank density at Lake Orange well over a period of 1 to 5 years. It has been used to calculate plant biomass and tuber density for other sites in subtropical (Florida) and tropical (India) areas, where it simulated biomass ranges similar to those measured in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA317203
Entities
People
- Elly P. Best
- William A. Boyd